Robert A. Blasko, “Chief,” began his amazing adventure to love when he was born on Sept. 18, 1947, in Everett Washington to his loving parents Paul and Thelma Blasko.
Bob spent his youth running and playing on the shores of Whidbey Island, and attended Langley High School, where he made many lifelong friends that he cherished. It was during these years he met his best friend, Joan Burley. In 1965, Bob graduated Langley High School, and Bob and Joan became engaged in the fall of 1966.
Bob joined the United States Coast Guard on Nov. 28, 1966, and set him on his path as a Marine Engineer. In May of 1967, he married his best friend Joan Marie Burley, and they began an amazing love story of 50 years of a life filled with amazing adventures together.
In November of 1967, they started their family with the birth of their first son Christopher, and in February of 1970 their family again grew with the birth of second son Robert.
The family returned to Whidbey Island in 1972 to raise their family and have since remained residing in Maxwelton Valley. Robert retired from Washington State Ferries in 1996, after a 30-year career as a staff chief engineer. Bob and Joan, along with close friends, enjoyed many great years as Seenagers traveling and playing at “Senior Summer Camp” in Arizona.
Survived by his greatest treasures, his loving wife and best friend Joan; sister Betty (husband Robert Galbreath); sons Chris and Robert (wife Kristin); grandchildren Garrett (wife Chelsea), Jon (wife Stephanie), Justin, Andrew, Nick, Emma and Jake; great-grandchildren Jason, Aiden, Liam, Owen and Zoey; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws that he also loved and adored.
Bob enjoyed many things, traveling, fishing, shooting, adventures, playing Farkle and helping his family, friends and neighbors. He always knew how to fix it, build it or just make it go.
Bob was a member of many organizations, including Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club, South Whidbey Yacht Club and Whidbey Island Radio Control Society.
Bob will be missed by all that knew him, but has left a legacy of love that will continue on.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 18341 WA-525, Freeland. A celebration of Bob’s life will follow at Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club, 3334 Brooks Hill Road, Langley. Please join us celebrating his amazing life story, with your stories and remembrances of him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor. Please visit Robert’s page in the Book of Memories online at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.
